Staff Reporter:
A video of a speech by Shafiqul Islam Masud, Member of Parliament for Patuakhali-2 (Bauphal), has gone viral on social media after he claimed that he had removed a police officer-in-charge (OC) and transferred an army major within two hours.
Masud made the remarks while addressing an Eid reunion programme as chief guest in front of the Shurjamoni Union Parishad office in Bauphal on Saturday afternoon.
“I removed the OC from his chair within two hours, and within two hours I changed the army major from here. Some people say I became an MP through votes. I say I did not become an MP only through votes; I became an MP through power as well. Don’t come to show power. Five lakh people will show their power,” he said.
Masud, who also serves as secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka South unit, attended the programme organised by the local Jamaat chapter. Shurjamoni Union Jamaat Ameer Mojibur Rahman Bachchu presided over the event.
The video quickly spread across Facebook and other social media platforms, prompting widespread discussion and criticism.
During his speech, Masud also referred to his political past and influence.
“Don’t fool around. There is no need to show the people of Bauphal who Shafiqul Islam Masud is. Ask Sheikh Hasina who Shafiqul Islam Masud is. Find out at Rajshahi University who Shafiqul Islam is. Ask the biggest goon there about Shafiqul Islam Masud,” he said.
He criticised what he described as attempts to undermine honest people and warned opponents against making provocative remarks.
“If I say more, you will not be able to handle it,” he added.
Referring to development projects undertaken during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Masud argued that infrastructure development alone could not ensure public support.
“Sheikh Hasina carried out development work, but why did she still have to flee? She built roads, jetties and bridges, but people were unhappy because they did not enjoy their rights. Without ensuring citizens’ rights and freedom of expression, it is not possible to earn public trust through development alone,” he said.
When contacted by phone on Monday afternoon, Masud told the media that his remarks came in response to what he described as offensive comments circulating on social media about members of his family.
“It is extremely difficult for any sane person to accept the false and indecent remarks being spread about my late father, my father-in-law and my wife,” he said.
“I made some comments directed at those people. However, I also said many positive things during the programme, and those should be highlighted as well,” he added.
The remarks continue to draw reactions on social media, with users debating the implications of the lawmaker’s comments regarding his influence over administrative and security officials.
